John Dewey

John Dewey (1859–1952)

Key Contribution / Core Idea

Father of progressive education; emphasised learning by doing, democracy in schools, and connecting learning to real life.

Background / Context

American philosopher and educational reformer. Reacted against rote learning and authoritarian schooling in late 19th–early 20th century.

Main Theories / Methods

• Education is not preparation for life — it is life itself.

• Schools should be mini-democracies, teaching children how to live in society.

• Advocated experiential, hands-on learning.

Relevance to Modern KS3/4 Teaching

• Anticipates project-based learning and enquiry-based science.

• Supports student voice and participation in school life.

• Resonates with modern debates about preparing pupils for citizenship, not just exams.

How His Ideas Link to Others

• Follows Rousseau and Pestalozzi’s child-centred approaches.

• Anticipates Vygotsky’s social learning emphasis.

Strengths and Appeal

• Emphasised democracy, critical thinking, and active learning.

• Still inspires progressive educators today.

Criticisms and Limitations

• Sometimes vague and idealistic.

• Progressive methods can be difficult to implement in exam-driven systems.

Legacy / Lasting Influence

• Major influence on progressive schools and modern curricula.

• Paved the way for constructivist approaches (Piaget, Vygotsky, Bruner).

Further Reading

• Dewey, Democracy and Education (1916).